Lower price makes Volt more attractive

Though the Chevrolet Volt‘s reduction in fuel consumption is impressive, it’s still not truly cost-effective.

While the Volt’s MSRP has been reduced by $5,000 recently, its $36,895 sticker tag remains a not inconsiderable $13,500 more than a well-optioned Cruze Eco (the Volt is based on the Cruze platform). Even accounting for the possibility of a $1,500 annual savings in gasoline expenditures, the Volt’s thrift-inducing technology will never pay for itself.

But salvation may be at hand. General Motors president Mark Reuss recently told the Los Angeles Times that he hopes to reduce production costs for the Volt by as much as $10,000, which, if attainable, would make the electrified Chevy’s total cost of ownership much more attractive.